Igor Skorobogatov was a Soviet and Russian painter known primarily for his realistic depictions of animals, as well as portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, and battle compositions. He was a member of the Leningrad Union of Artists and became known for paintings of horses and dogs, including The Black Horse, Anilin the Stallion, Boxer Eroshka, and Pinscher Lordik.

Born in 1920 in Saratov, Skorobogatov came from a theatrical family. His father was the professional actor Konstantin Skorobogatov. During the Second World War, he served on the Leningrad Front and was awarded the Medal “For the Defence of Leningrad” and the Medal “For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945”. He was demobilised in 1945 with the rank of sergeant.

In 1945, Skorobogatov entered the painting faculty of the Repin Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in Leningrad, graduating in 1951 from the studio of Professor Rudolf Frentz with the qualification of painter. His diploma work was the painting In the Collective Farm.

From 1952, Skorobogatov participated in exhibitions in Leningrad alongside leading artists of the city. He worked across several genres, but gained particular recognition as an animal painter. His subjects included horses and dogs, alongside military scenes, portraits, and landscapes. Among his works are Border Guards, a portrait of his father, Anilin the Stallion, Boxer Eroshka (1965), and Pinscher Lordik (1970). He was awarded the title of Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation.

Skorobogatov died in St Petersburg in 1997. His works are held in the State Russian Museum, as well as museums and private collections in Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and other countries.

Igor Konstantinovich Skorobogatov